PRINCETON — West Virginia and Mercer County veterans have always answered the call to arms and fought to protect American freedom. Saturday, a grateful community stepped forward to show its appreciation.

Despite the blustery weather, a dedicated team of Civil Air Patrol officials, cadets and volunteers gathered at Resthaven Memorial Park to lay more than 700 decorative wreaths on veterans’ graves in a show of solidarity and thankfulness during the holiday season. The event marked the first time the Wreaths Across America program reached Mercer County.

“Veterans put themselves at risk to preserve our safety as a people and our way of life,” speaker and U.S. Marine Corps League member Al Harman said, reminding listeners that there are now more than 2.8 million veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In these battles and many other wars, Harman said West Virginia has always posted among the most service men and women, per capita, in the nation.

He said the state has “never slouched” in defending American people, territory or democracy, even when the people the veterans fought to protect didn’t appreciate the service.

Harman, like many of the others in attendance Saturday, is a Vietnam War veteran. He recalls vividly the taunts and acts of hatred he and friends were subjected to when they returned home.

“We suffered greatly,” he said.

Decades later in a cemetery surrounded by supporters and a scene that was about to turn green and red, Harman said he saw hope.

“Maybe with this going on, a healing is beginning to happen,” he said. “...This is a great cause, and I pray that each and every one of you will never forget the veterans.”

As Harman turned the event back over to CAP Commander Stephen Antolini, CAP Cadets Brandon Whitlow and Jake White placed an official wreath in front of the podium, one representing each branch of the military and making a complete circle. A crew of seven military and/or police volunteers delivered the ceremonial three-volley salute, and Marine Corps League’s Randy Gibson played “Taps.”

Above the proceedings, CAP Lt. George Shively and Capt. Terry Childress flew over in the CAP plane.

“We only thought we’d have enough to cover 435 graves,” Antolini said, as cadets, veterans and family members began reverently placing the greenery and red ribbons on each veteran’s grave marked with an American flag. “Through the generosity of the public and the Worcester Wreath Company, we have enough to place 760 wreaths.”

Laura Burgess, of Resthaven Memorial Park, said she was moved by the hard work and honor on exhibit throughout the Wreaths Across America campaign and presentation.

“I’m just really impressed with the Civil Air Patrol and the things they teach these young people,” she said. “They teach them respect. They teach them pride, and they teach them to work together.”

Judy Whitlow and her daughter, Kemberly Whitlow, volunteered alongside the CAP organizers and cadets. For them, the day was a lot about family. Judy’s son, Ivan, is a member of the CAP and spread the word about Wreaths Across America, and her grandson, Brandon, was among the cadets involved in the service.

“We don’t have any relatives buried in this cemetery, but I’m taking a wreath to place on my father-in-law’s grave — Charles L. Whitlow,” Judy said.

As they watched the activity around them, Kemberly said she was humbled and heartened by the dignity with which the placements were conducted and the honor with which cadets and CAP veterans saluted each grave once the wreaths were in place.

“They’ve really done a wonderful job here,” she said.

Wreaths Across America began in 1992, when Morril Worcester purchased and placed 5,000 wreaths on graves in Arlington National Cemetery. In 2000, a photo of the snow-covered symbols of his holiday honor circulated the nation on the Internet. Since then, Wreaths Across America has spread dramatically.

Last year, the Mercer CAP assisted in a Raleigh County ceremony and placement, but Saturday’s event marked the first time local members and cadets had conducted their own.

— Contact Tammie Toler at ttoler@ptonline.net.